This is the type of prehistoric joist-to-bearer connection that can lead to sudden and unexpected floor collapse if not rectified immediately.
The joist can pull out of the bearer slowly over the years and if not repaired NOW the depth the joist is secured into the bearer can diminish with catastrophic consequences. The connection can unzip leading to total and sudden collapse of the floor system.
From the Ascot Deck Collapse coronial enquiry:
https://www.courts.qld.gov.au/…/cif-spencer-al-20100628…
“The general public and the building industry need to be aware of this particular method of construction in older properties, particularly the potential for joists to become disengaged from bearers and collapse in the same manner that occurred in this instance as a result of little or no bearing of the joists into the bearers.”
Builders, building inspectors, engineers and architects should ALWAYS be on the lookout for this type of detail and should always flag it to homeowners as needing repair under their duty of care.
More from the coronial enquiry:
“Mr Duignan said if a joist was pulling right out he would have expected to have seen it. The evidence of all witnesses asked was that in this case to tell how far a joist was engaged in the bearer would have involved pulling up part of the flooring deck which would have been relatively invasive and expensive.”
“The evidence of all witnesses asked was that extra securing for the joists in bearers could have involved a number of processes although the evidence is that most of those would be relatively inexpensive.”
“I formed the impression that Mr Duignan was a competent professional builder experienced in renovating old Queenslanders. He would expect to come across problems from time to time given the vintage of the construction.”
I accept that if he had found a problem that required attention he would have fixed it or brought it to the attention of the owners. If he had seen or witnessed a problem with the balcony support he would have sought to do something about it. I accept he had not.”
Building Inspection Training Australia – Queensland
Inspection Central Building and Pest Brisbane
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